FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8776, 4 July 1914, Page 15

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS An exceptionally keen demand has resulted during the whole of the week for what few consignments there have been available of dessert pears of favourite varieties. In ten days’ time supplies of Tasmanian-grown will no doubt be available, but as these do not last for any considerable period, and it is questionable whether the export of this fruit will be heavy this season from that quarter, it would appear as if holders 'of late pears will see a good market for their stocks until they are exhausted. Supplies were shipped ex cool chamber until very late in the year last season, and no doubt there are fairly large quantities in 000 l chamber at tho present .time waiting for a higher market than is ruling just now. Tho present time, however, should be found very remunerative for the unloading of shipments, and growers would be well advised to find markets now. So far as dessert apples are concerned a fairly good demand is existing, but there is no decided briskness. A further small shipment of Tas-manian-grown came to hand yesterday. Passion fruit and mandarins were available this week, together with pineapples from New South Wales, all of which sold at extreme rates. So fax no New South Wales lemons or oranges have made their appearance, but no doubt these fruits will be on the market before long. In other seasons supplies have been sold the second week in June. The demand for hothouse grapes continues keen, and any New Zealand lemons would command extreme rates owing to the dearth of this fruit. A small total arrived yesterday from South Australia, which sold at almost famine rates; Messina-grown have been off the market - for some considerable time now. . Transhipments of Fijian bananas are due here to-day via Auckland. Only a small total is arriving. It is unfortunate that transhipment should again be found necessary instead of allowing the fruit to come on to Wellington by the original carrier, which would save tho additional handling consequent upon the former course, and also do away with the exposure of the fruit to the cold weather. Apples, choice dessert 8s 6d to 9s case, prime 7s to Bs, others 4s 6d to 5a 6d, cookers, choice 5s 6d to 6s 6d case, prime 4s to ss; pears, choice dessert 7s to 8s per half-case, prime 4s 6d to 5s 6d per half-case, stewing 5s to 7s case; grapes, choice Is 3d to Is 5d lb, prime lOd to Is; Cape gooseberries, 4Jd to 5d lb; passions, 5s to 6s small box; lemons, locals, 8s to 9s case; tree tomatoes, 2s 6d to 3s ,6d box. POTATOES AND ONIONS. Sufficient potatoes for the current requirements are offering from time to time from the South Island. The bulk of the business is being done with Lyttelton, and the market remains firm at the late advance. A good inquiry continues for Dements at higher figures than other varieties; at the same time, supplies are not very heavyOnions are only being operated in for hand-to-mouth 'requirements owing to the poorness of their keeping quality; pickling onions are only in spasmodic sale. Potatoes, £4 15s to £5 5s per ton; onions, £6 to £6 10s; pickling onions, £5 10s to £6 ,10s per ton. OTHER VEGETABLES. A strong market continues to exist for both cauliflowers and cabbages; in fact, the former have ruled at high values now for some considerable time owing to scarcity. Cabbages are, also at higher levels than usual; pumpkins are selling well, together with parsnips ; lettuce has shown a slight advance ; swedes are dull of sale. Cauliflowers, choice 13s to 15s sack, prime 11s to 12s, others 8s to 10s; cabbages, choice 6s to 8.; sack, prime 4s 6d to 5s 6d; lettuce, choice 20 '6d to Ss 6d case, prime Is (ki to 2s; parsnips, choice os 6d to 6s 6d sack, prime 3s 6d to 4s 6d; marrows, 2s to 2s 6d sack; swedes, 40s ton; carrots, 5s to 6s sack; fair, 2s 6d to 3s 6d; pumpkins, 4s to 5a sack; beetroot, 3s 6d to 4s 6d sack; turnips; Is 6d to 2s 6d sack; artichokes, 3s to 4s half sack. EGGS. A fair demand is existing for fresh eggs, but the , market is now much 'lower than was the case a fortnight back; preserved are in good demand at la 4d to Is sd, and fresh are selling at about Is 8d per dozen. POULTRY. A keen inquiry exists for all choice young birds; supplies are not heavy at the moment. Roosters, choice young 5s to 6s pair, good 4s to 4s 6d; hens, prime heavy 4s to 4u 6d, fair 2s 6d to 8s 6d; ducks, 4s 6d to 6s pair; turkeys, gobblers 18s to 22s pair, hens 8s to 10s.